Human Rights Defender Arman Tatoyan Raises Alarm About Violations

Data unavailability in the "DataLex" system violates people's rights and prevents oversight of manual signatures on judicial cases. This was announced by Armenia's Human Rights Defender Arman Tatoyan, according to the Ombudsman's office.

The current situation is linked to the "DataLex" electronic information system, where data has not been entered for a considerable time. "The lack of data publication in the 'DataLex' system is especially concerning in the ongoing context of the flawed practice of manual signatures on judicial cases, which leads to violations of human rights. The point is that 'DataLex' is important not only for making judicial process information available to the public but also for public oversight of courts," the Ombudsman’s office stated.

The absence of records in 'DataLex' does not allow the Ombudsman, lawyers, participants in the trial, or the public to monitor whether the judges of judicial bodies are being selected or if specific judges are being assigned cases in violation of regulations.

The Ombudsman’s staff examined 'DataLex' and found that there have been no data entries regarding administrative cases since December 10, 2021, criminal cases since December 23, and civil, bankruptcy cases, and payment orders since December 24,” the statement reads.

The Ombudsman emphasizes that lawyers are facing serious difficulties in obtaining data. This situation also violates the right to appeal for individuals.

It is highlighted that this state of affairs is unacceptable and that the entries in the DataLex system must be restored immediately to eliminate risks of human rights violations and address already occurred violations. Previously, Arman Tatoyan mentioned on his Facebook page that the "seriously flawed, condemnable practice" of manual signatures on judicial cases continues even after the Ombudsman’s urgent report and the appeal to the Constitutional Court.

According to the Ombudsman, the objectivity of case distribution among judges is compromised, and primarily endangered is each individual’s constitutional right to a fair examination of their case by an independent and impartial court.